Volunteer drivers are vital for new service

Berwickshire Wheels provide a lifeline for service users and are now appealing for more volunteer drivers

Published:14:06Friday 15 March 2013

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THE new ‘taxi to health’ service that provides transport for people to attend hospital, health centre and other appointments is proving so popoular with clients it is in desperate need of more drivers.

A collaboration between Berwickshire Wheels and Scottish Borders Council, the taxi service is being run as a pilot scheme until July, and so far an extra 26 people have requested their services. But while the take-up for the Scottish Government funded scheme is welcomed it is causing organisers a bit of a headache in trying to ensure there are enough drivers.

The call has gone out for more volunteer drivers - particularly in the Chirnside, Eyemouth and Duns areas, “but we could do with more across the board” added Allister Hart, transport organiser.

“Even if you just have a couple of hours to spare a week it would be a help. One rdriver in Duns, takes two people to the day centre two mornings a week - that’s his responsibility - someone else collects them.”

Berwickshire Wheels volunteer Robin Maunder said: “You have to like elderly people - that’s a must - and be a careful and caring driver. I treat them as special people because that’s what they are.

“I do it to give something back to the community. If we didn’t do what we are doing these people wouldn’t get out and about.